Verizon Challenges FCC Over New Net Neutrality Rules

Verizon filed a law suit yesterday against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in an attempt to block recent Net Neutrality rules passed by the FCC last December. In a press release, the carrier expressed its concern that the new rules amount to “excessive” regulation of broadband networks. As the company writes:

We are deeply concerned by the FCC’s assertion of broad authority for sweeping new regulation of broadband networks and the Internet itself. We believe this assertion of authority goes well beyond any authority provided by Congress, and creates uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers

So what’s really the irking the telecommunications giant? Clearly, the latest set of FCC regulations came down hard on broadband network operators. For instance, broadband Internet providers must treat all their traffic equally, meaning home Web surfers must have access to massive media outlets and one-person blogs at the same speed and quality. That’ll stop Verizon from charging content providers for priority access to its home FIOS customers.

According to the new rules, the wireless side gets off a little easier. Wireless carriers will be able to block, throttle, or charge special fees of services they themselves don’t offer. Of course if they do provide a clearly competing service, operators like Verizon Wireless will have to offer equal access. What also may be getting Verizon’s cords in a bunch is the stipulation that consumers will be able to file anti-competitiveness suits against carriers without a fee and have them ruled on in a swift 130 days.

Will Verizon manage to block the FCC’s implementation of net neutrality rules? We’ll just have to see how this one plays out in the courts.